The Power of Experience in Women’s Origin Football
When the dust settles on another State of Origin series, it’s the special moments that linger in the memory. But for many players, football is a game that improves with time and experience. This lesson is something that the young Queenslanders who fell short in Origin II will eventually come to understand. However, the New South Wales side, who secured a 14-10 victory at Lang Park and a 2026 series win, have long embraced this truth.
The Blues team has a deep well of experience, with four of the top six most capped players in women’s Origin history and seven of their 17-player squad having at least ten caps. This depth was evident throughout the match, as the older, more seasoned players made the crucial decisions that led to the victory.
Key Performances from the Blues
One of those veterans was Olivia Kernick, a player with over ten caps, who delivered an outstanding performance. She recorded 160 metres and 29 tackles, including a standout effort on Emma Manzleman late in the game. Her performance solidified her reputation as one of the best forwards in the women’s game.
Jess Sergis, another experienced player with the fourth-most Origin appearances of any player in history, scored a try and set up another. Meanwhile, Kezie Apps, at 35, continues to be a force on the field. Her 70-minute shift was instrumental in securing possession for the Blues, and her hard shot on Brianna Clark led to a crucial score.
Even younger players like Jessie Southwell, who is just 21 but already in her third Origin series, showed maturity. Her trysaver on Jasmie Peters was a highlight of the match and demonstrated that experience isn’t always tied to age.
Queensland’s Younger Side Shows Promise
While the Blues relied on their experience, the Maroons’ younger players had their moments. Chantay Kiria-Ratu, a second gamer, showcased her growing kicking ability with a bomb that forced an error leading to Rory Owen’s first-half try. Otesa Pule, a debutant in Game I, was the Maroons’ best forward during her time on the field.
However, the rough edges of inexperience were evident. Kiria-Ratu made a crucial error late in the game, and the team lacked creativity in attack. Tamika Upton, their captain and best player, was often the focal point, but without support, she struggled to make an impact.
Lauren Brown, the clever halfback, had a good showing, but the difference in athleticism between the outside backs became apparent as the game tightened. Errors early on compounded into a lack of control, preventing Queensland from capitalizing on their opportunities.
A Game of Key Moments
Despite finishing with more line breaks, more tackles inside the attacking 20, and fewer missed tackles than New South Wales, Queensland couldn’t close the gap. Right until the final seconds, when Jasmie Peters took on Tegan Berry in the Caxton Street corner, it looked like the game could go to a decider.
But the Blues, with their wealth of experience, managed to weather the storm. They didn’t win every minute, but they won the key moments. This kind of football is not meant to be comfortable, but New South Wales are more accustomed to the discomfort, having been there so many times before.
With this series win, the Blues are on track for what could be the first 3-0 whitewash in women’s Origin history if they maintain their form in the next match.
The Future of Queensland
This marks the second year in a row that Queensland has not won a game when the series was live. New South Wales has now won three matches in a row at Lang Park, with Queensland’s last victory at the venue coming five years ago.
Yet, in the great Queensland tradition, the further they fall, the more intense the emotion and glory of their eventual comeback. The future is still bright for the Maroons, as their younger players continue to learn and grow.
Eight of their players across the first two matches are either in their first or second Origin series. For many, the highest level of the sport has been a shock to the system, but they will adapt and improve.
One day, perhaps next year or in the years to come, they will face a young Blue on debut who thinks they know the score. And then, they can be the ones to serve an Origin reality check.
It’s a lesson only time can teach, but it must be learned. Queensland’s fresher faces might get there one day, but for now, New South Wales is where the Origin shield resides, a testament to their experience and resilience.
